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Becky Dodman Wainwright and Jason Hirons confirmed as permanent leaders of MA provision at Arts University Plymouth
Thursday, 11 September, 2025 — Arts University Plymouth has appointed Becky Dodman Wainwright and Jason Hirons as permanent Postgraduate Course Leaders. Discover their expertise, the University’s world-class MA programmes, and opportunities for ambitious creatives in 2025 and beyond.
<p dir="ltr">Becky Dodman Wainwright and Jason Hirons have been appointed permanently as joint Postgraduate Course Leaders at Arts University Plymouth, following an interim period in which they have transformed the University’s MA provision.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Their leadership has been marked by exceptional student and staff feedback, with both recognised for building an ambitious, research-rich postgraduate community that inspires creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Under their guidance, MA students are refining their practice, building industry networks, securing international opportunities, and establishing thriving careers in the creative industries.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Our postgraduate provision covers a breadth of creative disciplines, including:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-immersive-media">MA Immersive Media</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-design">MA Design</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-design-communication">MA Design (Communication)</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-design-built-environment">MA Design (Built Environment)</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-design-fashion">MA Design (Fashion)</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-design-textiles">MA Design (Textiles)</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-fine-art">MA Fine Art</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-3d-design-crafts">MA Craft & Material Practices</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-glass">MA Glass</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-museum-studies">MA Museum Studies</a></p></li></ul><h3 dir="ltr"><strong>Why choose postgraduate study at Arts University Plymouth?</strong></h3>
<p dir="ltr">Our MA programmes immerse you in an interdisciplinary community of creative change-makers. You’ll benefit from:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Specialist, world-class facilities</strong> including Fab Lab, multimedia studios, ceramics studios, printmaking labs, glass workshops, and immersive media suites – all based in our city-centre campus.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Interdisciplinary collaboration</strong> that allows you to explore new methodologies and collaborate across creative disciplines.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>International opportunities</strong> such as the British Council Venice Fellowship and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Travel Bursary.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Research excellence</strong> through our Making Futures™, Making Learning, and Memory, Site & Artefact research groups.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Career acceleration</strong> via live projects, industry placements, and global professional networks.</p></li></ul>

Becky Dodman Wainwright in her studio
<p>Becky, an acclaimed textile designer, artist and researcher, is recognised for her expertise in colour theory, sustainable textiles, and co-design methodologies. She integrates live project experience with leading cultural institutions including the Museum of London and the British Council directly into the MA experience, offering students professional opportunities that bridge academic study and industry practice.</p>

Jason Hirons teaching
<p>Jason Hirons, an artist, writer and educator, specialises in landscape, materiality, performance writing and critical theory. His current doctoral research into the future of art schools informs a teaching ethos that pushes students to challenge conventions, embrace experimentation, and explore cross-disciplinary approaches. His pioneering work in online and hybrid learning has expanded global access to the University’s postgraduate courses.</p>
<p>Associate Professor Stephanie Owens, Dean of Arts, Design and Media at Arts University Plymouth, said: "Becky and Jason’s leadership, academic rigour and creative vision have been instrumental in shaping the student experience of our new postgraduate curriculum. They have cultivated an environment where MA students are empowered to take risks, collaborate across disciplines, and make meaningful contributions to their fields. As Co-Course Leaders, they have different but complimentary strengths as artists and researchers, so their permanent appointment will enhance Arts University Plymouth’s reputation as a leading destination for ambitious creative study."</p>

Metamorphosis by Becky Dodman Wainwright
<p dir="ltr">📅 <strong>Saturday 27 September 2025</strong><br />🕙 <strong>10am to 4pm</strong><br />📍 Arts University Plymouth city-centre campus</p>
<p dir="ltr">Explore our specialist studios, discover our MA programmes, and see first-hand how postgraduate study here can transform your creative career.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/open-day-pg-sept25">Find out more and register now</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>What MAs can I study at Arts University Plymouth?</strong><br />We offer specialist programmes across art, design, craft, and media, including Communication Design, Craft & Material Practices, Fine Art, Glass, Immersive Media, Museum Studies, and multiple Design pathways.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>What specialist facilities do you have?</strong><br />Our campus is home to extensive specialist facilities, including Fab Lab South West, multimedia studios, ceramics studios, printmaking labs, glass workshops, and immersive media suites – all available to postgraduate students.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Do I need a degree in art or design to apply?</strong><br />A related undergraduate degree is preferred, but we also consider applicants with equivalent professional experience and a strong project proposal.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Are there opportunities to work internationally?</strong><br />Yes. Our students can apply for the British Council Venice Fellowship, the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Travel Bursary, and other international research and residency opportunities.</p>
<p><strong>How do I apply?</strong><br />Visit <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/postgraduate">aup.ac.uk/study/postgraduate</a> to find out about entry requirements, prepare your personal statement and project proposal, and submit your application.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We offer specialist programmes across art, design, craft, and media, including Communication Design, Craft & Material Practices, Fine Art, Glass, Immersive Media, Museum Studies, and multiple Design pathways.<br /></p>
<p>Our campus is home to extensive specialist facilities, including Fab Lab South West, multimedia studios, ceramics studios, printmaking labs, glass workshops, and immersive media suites – all available to postgraduate students.</p>
<p>A related undergraduate degree is preferred, but we also consider applicants with equivalent professional experience and a strong project proposal.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Yes. Our students can apply for the British Council Venice Fellowship, the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Travel Bursary, and other international research and residency opportunities.<br /></p>
<p>Visit <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/postgraduate">aup.ac.uk/study/postgraduate</a> to find out about entry requirements, prepare your personal statement and project proposal, and submit your application.</p>

